(  tiauibt'i  ot  Commerce. 

h  A  meeting 'of  the  Chamber   of   Commerce   was 

it    the  Mills   House   on    Wednesday,  the  81st 

ultimo.     11.    W.    Conner,    Esq,,    President  ol    the 

HH)>.m.  gave  notice  of  his  intention  to  resi;;n  his 

Otiir  eeent  tertu,    wiiieh    an 

IT  the  in. 'in 
xJers.  The  following  preamble  and  lesolutlons  were 
submitted  b\  Henry  Gourdin,  Esq.,  and  adopted. 

Whereas,  a  Company  is  about  to  lie  established, 
td^Vballed  the  North  and  South  American  Steuni- 
sl'^A^tmipany,  for  the  purpose  of  running  a  line  of 
SjWUhii'S  between  the  city  of  New  York  and  Paru, 
at  th*  n.outh  of  the  Aamazon,  touching  at  Savan- 
nah, Bermuda,  St.  Thorna?,  Barbadoes,  Demarara, 
and  Cayenne  ;  the  stftck  of  the  said  company  being 
owned  in  the  cities  of  New  York  and  Savannah, 
and  the  said  Company  having  applied  to  the  Con 
gress  of  the  United  States  for  an  appropriation  for 
the  transportation  of  the  mail  from  and  to  the  Uni- 
ted States  by  the  said  steamers;  and  whereas,  in 
the  opinion  of  the  Chamber,  such  a  line  of  steam- 
ers cannot  be  otherwise  than  beneficial  to  the  trade 
of  the  whole  country,  and  to  the  South  more  espe- 
cially, by  making  the  city  of  Savannah  the  last  point 
of  departure  ^.from,  and  the  first  of  arrival  in,  the 
United  States,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  thisChairdyer respectfully  leeom 
uieud  the  application  Of  the  North  and  South  Auier- 
ican  Steamship  Company  to  the  favorable  consider 
a  lion  and  support  of  the  delegation  of  the  State 
main  the  Congress  of  the  United  Stat 
•  ed,  That  the  President  of  the  Chamber 
requested  to  transmit  acopy  of  the  foregoing  pre 
amble  an4  resolution  to  out  Senators  and  Repre- 
sentatives in  Congress. 


George  Washington  F/o. 
Memorial  Collection 

DUK1   UNI\  I  KSITV  LIBRARY 


ESTABLISHED  BY  THE 
KAMI  LY  Ol 

COLON!  i.   FLOWERS 


In   3tlemorianu 


^  ♦•  <s> 


HENRY   W.   CONNER, 

Bows  March  4th,  ir:»7. 
Died  Januart    11th,    1861. 


[PROM    TI1K    CHARLESTON    MERCURY,    JANUARY    It.    1SG1.] 


'HE  LATE  HON.  HENRY  WORKMAN  CONNER. 


The  funeral  services  of  the  late  II.  W.  CONNER, 
Esq.,  took  place  yesterday  at  St.  Michael's  Church, 
and  were  numerously  attended,  not  only  by  the 
personal  friends,  to  whom  Ins  death  was  a  private 
affliction,  but  a  large  assemblage  of  our  most  distin- 
guished citizens  bore  equal  testimony,  by  their  pres- 
ence, to  the  public  loss.  Few  men  possessed  higher 
qualifications  for  the  public  service,  especially  in 
times  of  general  alarm  or  distress.  He  was  vigilant, 
brave,  energetic,  and  of  indomitable  perseverance. 
Devoting  himself  early  in  life  to  commercial  pur- 
suits, these  qualities  still  found  even  in  them  a  wide 
field  for  their  exercise,  and  contributed  largely  to 
his  success.  To  his  forecast,  energy  and  persever- 
ance the  City  of  Charleston  is  mainly  indebted  for 
the  noble  piles  of  buildings  in  Eayne  and  Meeting 
streets,  of  which  the  Charleston  Hotel  is  the  centre 
and   chief  ornament.     Though   in   the   heart   of  the 

city,   nearly   the    whole   of    this    space    devastated    by 

lire,  remained   unimproved,   a    barren    waste   in    the 

midst  of  a  populous   City,  until    rescued    by  his   genius 

and  energy,  and  converted  into  the  must  valuable 
portion  of  our  real  estate.  Tin-  was  accomplished 
in  the  face  of  no  ordinary  difficulties.  That  noble 
building,   the   Charleston    Hotel,   had   scarcely   been 


\ 

completed  Mid  me  yel  unoccupied,  when  ■  desolate 
onflagration  Bwepi  over  the  city  ami  rednoed  it 
to  ashea.     Thai   it   afterwards   roee   again   from   its 
smouldering    foundations    to   fulfil    the    purposes    of 
commercial   usefulness  for  which   it   had   been  origi- 
nally designed,  has  always   been   attributed    t<»   the 
extraordinary  energy  ami  perseverance  of  Air.  Coa- 
Ajttd  those  who  contemplate  merely  these  mate- 
rial .struct lire-,  much  a-  they  contribute  to  adorn  out1 
city,  and  largely  a-  they  advanced  the  reputation  of 
who  shared  in  the  labor  ami  oosl  <>t  their  erec- 
tion, form  hut  an   imperfect    notion  <>i'  their  value* 

At     the    time    these    immense    warehouses    ami    stores 

were  erected,  the  trade  of  Charleston  required  no 
such  accommodation;  nearly  the  whole  jobbing  trade 

of    the    South     was    then    carried    on     in     New    York. 

Ami.  combined  with  the  erection  of  these  buildings, 
wa-  the  patriotic  "design  of  attracting  t<»  Charleston  a 
portion  of  this  valuable  business,      It  would  not  oon> 

porl    with    the    limits   of  this    brief  memoir   to   relate 

all  the  measures  that  were  necessary  to  accomplish 
tlii-  purpose.  Mr.  Conneb  devoted  all  his  energies 
to  this  eml.  and,  sustained  by  the  efforts  of  worthy 

associates,  SOOn  saw  the   Complete    realization  of  their 

most  sanguine  hopes.  The  jobbing  trade  of  the  city 
increased,  in  a  few  years,  from  three  millions  to  up- 
wards Of   fifteen    million-   of  dollars    in    annual    value. 

One  of  the  chief  instrument-  in  effecting  this  great 

0 

public   benefit    was   the    Hank  of  Charleston.      This 

institution    was   chartered    in    1835,    to   take    the    place 

of  the   Branch  of  the   Bank  of  the    United  States  in 

this   city.      lir.  COMNKB   was   one  of  its    founders,   and 

had  a  -cat   at   the  first    Board  of   Directors  eleoted. 


Ee  was  one  of  those  who  voted  in  the  affirmative  on 
the  proposition  to  refuse  the  lulls  of  the  Hank  of  the 
United  States  at  the  counter  of  the  Bank — a  measure 
that  caused  a  greal  sensation,  hut  the  wisdom  of 
which  was  soon  revealed;  the  hills  were  entirely 
driven  out  of  circulation  in  South  Carolina,  and  the 
community  saved  from  an  immense  loss  when  the 
failure  of  that  Bank  look  place,  'flic  mode  in  which 
the  Bank  of  Charleston  contributed  to  the  great 
object  we  have  described,  was  by  establishing  agen- 
cies at  every  inland  town  of  importance  in  this  State. 
North  Carolina,  Gfeorgia,  Alabama  and  Florida. 
This  enabled  the  Hank  to  discount  the  notes  of  the 
merchants  of  all  those  States  and  send  them  for  col- 
lection to  their  place  of  residence,  a  business  which 
had  never  before  been  done  in  Charleston,  and  that 
gave  a  powerful  stimulus  to  the  jobbing  trade  of  the 
city.  In  the  inauguration  and  permanent  establish- 
ment of  these  measures  of  public  usefulness  thai 
have  conduced  so  largely  to  the  prosperity  of 
Charleston,  Mr.  Conneb  always  contributed  largely 
by  his  intelligence,  information  and  energetic  per- 
sonal labors.     In   1*41,  he  became   President  of  the 

Hank,  to  which  he  was  called  by  the  choice  of  his 
colleagues   at    the    Board    expressed    in    a    manner   the 

moBl  complimentary.  And  we  are  sure  that  we  do 
hut  simple  justice  t'o  his  memory  in  saying  that. 
under  his  administration,  this  institution  established 
throughoul  the  whole  of  this  country,  and  in  those 
parts  of  Europe  with  which  we  have  commercial 
relations,  the  highest  reputation  for  the  ability, 
energy  and  prudence  with  which  its  extended  trans- 
actions were  conducted.     The  benefits  derived  from 


its  business  by  the  stockholders  were  commensurate 
with  those  conferred  upon  the  publio,  and  Sir.  Con- 
wk  received,  both  in  pablio  and  private,  from  the 
stockholders,  man]  expressions  of  confidence,  and  of 
the  grateful  sense  thoy  entertained  of  his  seal  and 
devotion  to  their  service.  The  finances  of  the  coun- 
try passed  through  many  stormy  periods  during  his 
administration,  io  all  of  which  the  affairs  of  the 
Bank  were  conducted  with  an  ability  that  contribut- 
ed still  further  to  elevate  and  confirm  its  reputation. 
He  filled  this  [mportanl  office  for  a  period  of  nine 
years,  when  the  public  voice  called  him  to  the  Pres- 
idency of  the  South  Carolina  Railroad  Company. 
This  great  work  was  beginning  to  exercise  a  power- 
ful influence  on  the  fortunes  of  our  city,  ami  the 
jealous  opposition  <>t'  (tl-eorgia   to   those   connections 

with  the    railroads  of  that    State,  upon   which    the    lull 

efficiency  of  the  South  Carolina  road  depended,  was 

a  subject  of  great  public  anxiety.  .Mr.  Cn\\l:i:  en- 
tered upon  the  discharge  of  his  new  duties  with  all 
his  accustomed  energy,  ami  in  a  very  shorl  time  the 

inclined  plane  at  Aiken  was  swept  away,  ami  the 
Savannah    river   bridged,   ami   a    depot    established    in 

the  City  of  Augusta.  UN  devotion  to  duty,  his  per- 
severance under  difficulties  ami  reverses,  his  self-sac- 
rificing spirit,  and  great  public  zeal,  were  rendered 
still  more  conspicuous  in  thin  new  situation,  and  be 

rctind   from    it    in    ls."i;;,  with    the  high    reputation    he 

had  brought  from  the  Bank  of  Charleston  exalted 
ami  confirmed  in  the  public  estimation,  lie  with- 
drew from  this  public  station  for  the  purpose  of 
establishing  Banking  Souses  in  Charleston  and  New- 
Orleans.     In  this  new  business  he  realized  the  advan- 


tages  of  that  high  reputation  he  had  established  for 
financial  skill  and  commercial  honor,  and  enjoyed 
the  unlimited  confidence  of  a  wide  circle  of  friends 
in  all  parts  of  the  country. 

We  ought  not,  perhaps,  to  omit  a  circumstance 
that  delicacy  might  forbid  us  from  relating  of  the 
living.  Commercial  affairs  are  full  of  vicissitudes, 
and  Mr.  Conner,  in  early  life,  had  met  with  reverses; 
hut  more  than  twenty  years  after,  though  Legally  and 
honorably  discharged  from  the  debts  of  that  period, 

he  came  forward  voluntarily  and  discharged  them  in 
full.     A  circumstance  so  honorable  to  his  character, 

and  so  worthy  of  applause  and  imitation,  we  do  not 
feel  justified  in  passing  it  over  in  silence. 

We  offer  this  feeble  and  imperfect  tribute  to  his 
memory,  and  bear  our  sorrowing  testimony  to  the 
sense  entertained  by  our  community  of  the  loss  they 
have  sustained  by  his  death.  The  very  first  call  that 
the  State  made  upon  her  viin,  on  the  election  of 
Lincoln,  brought  letters  from  him  full  of  patriotic 
expressions  of  entire  devotion  to  her  cause.  He 
flew  to  her  side  at  the  call  for  a  Convention,  and 
the    last    official    act     of  his    life,  was    that    in    which, 

as  a  member  of  that  illustrious  body,  his  signature 
was  affixed  to  the  Ordinance  by  which  she  has  been 
emancipated  from  political  bondage.  Almost  hi- last 
thoughts  were  devoted  to  his  country;  the  Last  lines 
he  wrote,  addressed  t<»  a  friend  from  his  sick  bed, 
were  these:  "What  is  it  about  Port  Sumter?  If 
anything  is  to  he  done  send   for  me,  and   I   will  go, 

upon  a  litter,  it    need-  be 


Ai  a  assemblage  of  the  Wholesale  Merchants 

of  the  City  of  Charleston,  on  Saturday,  the  12th 
instant,  Mr.  I\  I>.  Panning  u:ls  '-.'ill''1!  to  the  Chair, 
and  Messrs.  T.  M.  Horsey  and  S.  J.  Hull  requested 
t<>  act  :i>  Secretaries. 

<  »n  taking  the  Chair,  Mr.  Panning,  is  :i  t «  w  re- 
marks, stated  the  objecl  <>i  the  meeting,  which  wa- 
in offer  Borne  testimony  <>i"  respecl  t<>  the  memory 
of  one  of  our  most  valued  citizens,  Hknri  W,  Con- 
nik.  Esq.  In  the  course  of  his  remarks,  be  alluded 
to  the  fad  thai  Kayne  Btreel  would  always  be  a 
monument  of  Mr.  Conner's  energy,  ii  having  been, 
in  a  measure,  through  hw  exertions  thai  business  was 
established  in  thai  neighborhood. 

Mr.  W.  S.  Eastie  thru  offered  the  following  reso- 
lutions, which  were  unanimously  adopted: 

l:  olvedf  That  we  feel  deeply  the  loss  of  our  es- 
teemed fellow-citizen,  the  late  EIxnri  W.  Conner, 
an<l  sincerely  sympathise  with  his  afflicted  family 
in  their  bereavement,  which  cannol  be  viewed  in 
an)  other  Light  than  a  great  public  loss.  a.s  a  mer- 
chant, and  in  all  the  positions  to  which  be  has  been 
called  by  the  partiality  of  his  fellow-citizens,  he 
always  maintained  a  character  for  unbending  integ- 
rity and  honor,  worth)  of  our  highest  imitation. 

/,'  olved,  That  iii  token  <>t  our  deep-felt  Borrow, 
the  Palmetto  Flag,  which  flag  it  was  the  last  act  of 
our  friend's  life  to  assisl  in  inaugurating,  be  lowered 

on  the   Ha\  lie  and   Meeting  Btreel   stall"  to  hall'-ina-l . 


On  motion  of  Mr.   Geo.   Williams,  it   was 
Resolved,   That    a    copy    of   those    proceedings    be 
sent    to   the  family  of  the  deceased,  and  thai    they 
be  published   in   the  daily  journals  of  this  city. 

On    motion    of   Mr.  T.   R.   Eggleston,  the    meeting 
adjourned. 

F.  1).  FANNING,  Chairman. 


Tims.   M.   EoRSEY, ")  0 
Sam,,:,.  .1.  II,,,,.,   [ Secretaries. 


CH \M BER    OF    COMMERCE 


\  special  meeting  <»t'  the  Chamber  of  Commerce 
was  beld  on  Monday,  Htli  instant,  at  one,  p.  \i..  in 
the  Directors'  hall  of  the   Bank  of  Charleston. 

There  \\;i-;i  good  attendance  of  the  leading  mem- 
bers. The  object  of  this  Bpecial  meeting  is  bo  well 
indicated  in  the  remarks  of  the  President,  thai  we 
need  but  refer  to  bis  opening  Address,  which  was 
pronounced  and  received  with  Bad  and  feeling  em- 
phasis and  earnest  n< 

President  A.<>.  Andrews,  in  explaining  the  object 
of  the  call,  Baid  : 

Gentlemen  of  the  Chamber  of  (''•mm. 

We  come  together  to-day  under  circumstances  full 
of  sadness.  While  every  mind  and  heart  is  al>- 
Borbed  in  the  gravity  of  those  public  transactions 
which  arc  making  every  moment  history,  we  arc 
drawn  aside  by  one  <>i  those  painful  dispensations 
which  teach  the  Bovereigntj  of  a  Power  thai  none 
<-an  question  —the  Sovereignty    of  God. 

The  august  council  of  the  State  has  but  just  paused 
in  its  deliberations— does  it  nol  Beera  as  though  in 
becoming  reverence  before  the  majesty  of  heathy 

u\.  in  our  humbler  relations,  gather  with  each 
other  t<>  commingle  our  griefs,  and  t<>  acknowledge, 
in  the  death  <»r  Henri  W.  Conner,  the  removal  of 
a  Loved  associate,  the   loss  <>r  an  honored    Ex-Presi- 


11 

dent — the  extinguishment  of  a  form  and  presence 
long  and    endearingly   familiar  to   us  all. 

The  Strong  and  decided  features  winch  marked 
the  character  of  our  deceased  friend,  could  not  fail 
to  make  their  impress  wherever  his  relations  were 
cast  ;  and,  accordingly,  we  find  his  name  and  ser- 
vices conspicuously  associated,  throughout  his  life, 
with  the  history  of  financial,  commercial  and  indus- 
trial progress,  not  only  in  this,  the  city  of  his  affec- 
tion's, hut  wherever  the  fortunes  of  Charleston  were 
to  he  advanced,  and  especially  in  promoting  her 
inter-connection   with    her  Southern   sisters. 

Buoyanl  and  enthusiastic  in  his  temperament,  of 
an  iron  will,  and  with  a  not  unjust  confidence  in 
his  own  resources,  the  mountains  which  loomed  up 
in  other  men's  way,  presented  no  frightful  propor- 
tions to  him.  They  only  brought  out  the  vigor  of 
his  arm,  and  gave  a  field  for  its  healthful  exercise. 
Prompt,  resolute,  energetic,  full  of  courage,  and  id' 
good  cheer,  he  went  to  his  allotted  work,  and  what- 
soever his  hand  found  to  do.  that  he  did  with  all 
his  might.  Hence  the  readiness  of  his  associates 
to  rally  around  him  as  a  leader,  and  the  inspiration 
of   success    which     he    transfused     through    all     his   co- 

adjutors.     Nor  was  the  firm  hold  which  he  possessed 

over   his    fellows,   due    only    to    those    qualities    which 

strike  the  outward  eye. 

Ii  was  fastened  deep  and  strong,  by  the  organiz- 
ing, systematizing  mind,  which  he  displayed  in  inte- 
rior council. 

While  those  of  mat ure r years  hailed  him  as  a  most 
efficient  auxiliary,  the  young,  especially,  delighted 
to  work    with   him.     There  was  -o  much  heartiness 


Li 

in  hi-  nature.  Hit  feelings  were  as  fresh  as  those 
of  :i  boy;  and  as  with  the  inflaenoe  of  tnaaie,  he 
brought  the  <|uicl<  ami  generous  impulses  of  young- 
er natures  into  instant  accord  with  his  own. 

When  such  a  man.  gentlemen,  is  stricken  from 
his  appointed  sphere,  the  whole  circle  of  hi-  rela- 
tion- quivers  with  the  shock; 

It  is  "in-  sad  privilege  to  pour  out  with  each 
other   our   sympathies,  let    us   not    forget   that   it  is 

also  "in-  high  duly,  we  who  yet  remain,  to  en- 
deavor to  exhibit  in  ourselves  whatever  was  excel- 
lent   iii   Our  departed    friend  '■ 

.1.  1\.  Bass,  Esq  .  President  of  the  Hank  of  Charles- 
ton, offered  resolutions  iii  behalf  of  G.  A..  Trenholm, 
Esq.,  who  was  prevented  by  indisposition  from  par- 
forming  in  person  this  mournful  rite  of  friendship 
ami  sorrowing  regard. 

These  resolutions  are  as  follows : 

Whereas,  it  has  pleased  Almighty  God  in  tin-  dis- 
pensation  of  his  inscrutable  Providence,  to  remove 
from  tli*'  sphere  of  his  earthly  usefulness  that  dis- 
tinguished citizen,  Henri  W.  Conner,  Esq.,  and  the 
Chamber  of  Commerce  of  Charleston,  of  which  he 
was  a  member,  and.  at  one  time,  the  President, 
regard  it  both  as  a  duty  ami  a  privilege  to  give 
public  expression  to  their  sentiments  on  this  mourn- 
ful occurrence.     Therefore, 

/,'    olved,   As   the  unanimous   sense   <»i    the  Cham- 
ber of   Commerce   of   Charleston,   that    Henri    N\ 
Conner,    Esq.,   contributed   largely    t<>  the   commer- 
cial prosperity  ami  reputation  of  the  City  of  Char- 
leston,   by    hi-     enterprise     and     puhlie    spirit     when 

engaged  in  commercial  pursuits  in  this  city. 


18 

Resolved.  That  as  President  ofthe'  Bank  of  Charles- 
ton, and  as  President  of  the  South  Carolina  Rail- 
road Company,  he  greatly  promoted,  by  Ids  talents 
and  energy,  the  general  welfare  of  the  community. 

Resolved.  That  on  all  public  occasions,  and  more 
especially  in  recently  leaving  Ids  business  in  New 
Orleans,  to  share  the  fortunes  of  the  State  in  the 
present  crisis,  he  evinced  his  loyalty  t'»  South  Caro- 
lina, and  merited  the  confidence  and  applause  he 
received  from  his  fellow-citizens. 

l!<s. drcd,  That  the  Chatnher  of  Commerce  sin- 
cerely lament  his  death  as  a  great  public  calamity, 
and  sympathize  deeply  with  his  bereaved  family  in 
their  affliction. 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  the  Chamber  do 
wear  the  usual  badge  of  mourning  in  testimony  of 
their  respect   for  his  memory. 

Hi  solved,  That  a  copy  ol  these  resolutions  he  trans- 
mitted, by  the  President,  to  the  family  of  Mr.  Con- 
nkk,  and  that  the  same  he  published  in  the  papers 
of  this  city,  and  in  those  of  New  Orleans  and  Char- 
lotte.   North    Carolina. 

These  resolutions  were  seconded  by  Henry  (Jour- 
din,  Esq.,  ami  advocated  by  Win.  M.  laiwton.  Esq., 
in  a  few  impressive  words  of  tributary  sorrow.  The 
resolutions  were  unanimously  adopted,  and  the  Cham- 
ber adjourned. 


14 


Banh  01  Charleston,  9    ( 

January  \\t/<.  1 B61 
At   :i   meeting  of  the   Board  of   Directors  of  tliis 
Bank,  held  this  morning,  the  following  preamble  and 
intions  were  unanimously  adopted: 

Mr.    il  i:\in     W.    CONNER,    for    many    yean    one    Of 

the  most  active  Directors  <>f  this  Bank,  and  after- 
wards  its  President,  departed  this  life  on  the  after- 
noon of  the   11th   inst. 

A  thorough  knowledge  of  his  worth,  growing  oat 
of  an  intercourse  of  many  years,  had  impressed  this 
Board  with  a  profound  respect  and  affection  tor  him, 
and  renders  it  proper  now  that  they  should  gtre 
expression  t<>  the  feelings  of  sorrow  which  this  sad 
event  has  occasioned  them,  and  place  on  the  pages 
of  their  journals  their  Bense  of  the  loss  which  they 
and  the  Institution,  in  common  with  the  community, 
have  sustained  by  his  death. 

Mi-.  Connkb  came  into  the  Bank  as  a  Director  on 
it-  organisation  in  1885.  In  1841,  he  became  its 
President,  and  for  nine  years  administered  its  affairs 
with  an  ability  that  not  only  promoted  the  welfare 
of  the  Bank,  but  the  commerce  of  the  city,  which 
was  greatly  enlarged  and  extended  through  its  oper- 
ations. In  I860  he  was  called  upon  to  assume,  what 
were  considered  then,  more  important  duties,  as 
Presidenl  of  the  South  Carolina  Railroad  Company, 
over  which  institution  he  presided  three  years,  and, 
in  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  as  Director  and  Presi- 
dent   Of    h"fh    institutions,    he    exhibited    alwavs    the 


15 

same  energy  and  skill,  and  same  firmness  and  hon- 
esty of  purpose,  which  constituted  so  prominenl  a 
feature  in  his  character,  and  in  all  Ids  dealings,  both 
in  public  and  in  private  life. 

In  IS;"):;  he  resigned  the  Presidency  of  the  Rail- 
road, and,  entering  into  business  on  his  own  account, 
he  became  again  one  of  the  best,  and  ever-ready 
counsellors    of   the   Bank   in    periods    of  difficulty, 

although  not  connected  with  it  in  any  Official  capa- 
city. Associated,  then,  as  he  was  with  this  Board, 
and  know  in--  him  as  they  knew  him.  it  is  their 
duty,  as  it  is  their  privilege,  to  offer  some  pub- 
lic testimonial  to  his  worth,  for  the  lives  of  good 
and  useful  men  are  examples  to  the  generation  in 
which  they  live,  as  they  arc  to  those  which  follow, 
and  testimonial-  to  their  memory  are  incentives  to 
an  emulation  and  a  perpetuation  of  their  virtues. 
Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Bank 
of  Charleston  arc  deeply  sensible  of  the  loss  which 

they  and  tin'  community  have  sustained   in    the  death 

oi  Mj.  Conner;  that  to  them,  individually,  it  is  one 
of  sincere  sorrow,  and  they  record  this  resolution  on 

their  journals,  in  profound  tv-ped  and  affection  for 
his  memory. 

Resolved,   That   a   copy  of  the   above   be   -cut    to 

the    family    of  Mr.    CoNNIB,    a-    an    expression    of    the 

sympathies  of  the  members  of  thie  Board  in  their  be- 
reavement. 

Resolved,  Thai  the  foregoing  proceedings  be  pub- 
lished in  the  daily  papers  of  this  city.  New  Orleans, 
and  Charlotte,  North  Carolina. 


16 


TllK   nkw   OKLBAMI   OOMMCtOtAt   HIM.ETIN.] 

Hinky  W    Conwm  died  In  Charleston,  South  Car- 
olina, "ii  the  1  ltli  January,  1861. 

Tin-  tw<>  communities  of  Charleston  :in- i  New  <>r- 
leana  have  to  regret   the  1"--  of  m  member  important 
to  both.     A  half  :i  century  passed  in  active  bnsim  -- 
placed  him  at  the  head  of  every  movement,  mercan- 
tile and  financial,  which  has  been  inaugurated  in  the 
former  place;  whilst  in  the  latter,  a  short   residence 
of  some  five  years  was  rapidly  leading  him  to  the 
same  enviable  pre-eminence.     Gifted  with  the  strong- 
est   traits   of  character,   he   waa    fell    wherever   he 
appeared,   and    he    lefl    bis   impress   for  good    u j .« »n 
everything  he  touched.    Self-tanghl  and  self-sustained, 
he  ever  Btood  the  man  among  the  men  oi  the  occa- 
sion.    A    powerful    mind   governed  a  strong  will  — 
and  a  genial  heart   directed  h"th  to  the  good  of  all 
around    him  —  energy   <>t'   Ihoughl    and    energy   of 
action  were  directed  by  practical  sense — henee  luc- 
-   followed    .very   effort,   and   public   institutions 
Mini   private  individuals  alike   have  reason    t<»  bless 
t lie  healthful  exercise  of  hia  influence.     In  early  fife, 
we  find  him  a   merchant,  and   his   fitness   for   thai 
vocation  is  evidenced  by  the  success  which  followed 
him   through    the  Beveresl    trials.     Test    him   as   a 
practical  man,  and  his  energy  finda  a  glorioua  illus- 
tration in   the  resulta  ol  the  railroad  system,  no1  of 
Booth  Carolina  alone,  hut  to  some  extent  of  Georgia 

also. 


17 

A.B  u  financier,  he  shows  a  brillianl  record  whilst 
wielding  the  three  millions  of  the  Bank  of  Charles- 
ton, rendering  that  institution  a  substitute  for  the 
old  Bank  of  the  United  States  as  the  fiscal  agent 
of  the  South,  hoth  at  home  and  abroad.  As  a  pri- 
vate hanker,  he  leaves  a  proud  name,  not  in  Amer- 
ica alone,  hut  throughout  all  Christendom — a  name 
accredited  wherever  commerce  carries  :i  flag  or  sends 
an  adventurer.  To  have  done  this  was  to  have  lived 
to  some  purpose  ;  hut  he  did  more  ;  :ts  a  pat- 
riot, he  lived  long  enough  to  subscribe  his  name  to 
the  Ordinance  of  Secession  of  the  State  of  South 
Carolina;  this  ha--  made  his  name  historic.  And 
might  he  not  have  said,  as  the  prophet  of  old: 
••  Now   h't    thy   servant    depart    in    peace." 

A.8  a  friend,  we  dare  not  permit  ourselves  to  speak 
of  him,  lest  truth  might  assume  the  appearance  of 
exaggeration,  hut  we  may  In-  indulged  in  the  lux- 
ury of  hoarding  the  remembrances  of  his  acts  of 
kindness,  as  treasures  to  he  garnered  in  our  hearts. 

There  is  one  body  of  men  who  will  have  a  spe- 
cial tear  to  sheii  for  him.  Those  who  remember 
him  as  the  presiding  officer  of  the  Hibernian  So- 
ciety   <>f    Carolina,  Will    feel    their    hearts    swell    when 

they   call   to   mind   the   genial  glow   which    suffused 
itself  over  their  meeting  when  he  led  them  to  deeds 

of  charity,  or   in    the   mirth    of  the    hour. 

And  thus,  in  all,  either  as  a  man  of  measures,  I  HP 
as  a  friend  in  deed,  In-  was  what  tew  are.  ami  what 
all   should    wish    to    he 


(Tribute  to  the   ^lemnri] 

Of 

Henry     W* .    Conner. 


A i  a  meeting  of  the  Hibernian  Society,  beld  on 
Tuesday  evening,  the  5th  instant,  the  following  pre- 
amble and  resolutions  were  presented  by  M.  L\ 
O'Connor,  fisq.,  and  unanimously   adopted: 

An  event  has  occurred  since  last  we  were  assem- 
bled, which  hu-  cast  a  deep  and  pervading  gloom 
over  our  Society.  There  is  one  missing  from  our 
genial  circle  whose  I"--  cannot  readily  be  supplied, 
whose  place  will  not  Boon  be  re-filled.  The  void 
which  tin-  death  of  lh\i:\  W.  Connkh  has  produ- 
ced will  be  felt  mi  Long  as  the  memory  of  bis  vir- 
tues is  cherished,  and  bis  merits  are  held  in  sacred 
remembrance.  Distinguished  as  lie  was  in  the  es- 
timation of  his  fellow-citizens  for  liia  many  fine 
traits  of  character;  prominent  n>  be  stood  in  the  va- 
rious positions  of  public  usefulness  and  honor  which 
he  bo  eminently  filled,  the  Bphere  in  which  be  seem- 
ed most  i"  excel,  was  when  be  presided  over  the 
hospitalities  of  iliis  Society.  Ii  was  here,  amongst 
us,  when  "wit  dashed  and  fancy  Bparkled"  in  uni- 
son with  the  genial  How  of  bis  mirth,  which  en- 
deared while  it  attracted  all   within    its   reach,  that 

the    best   qualities   Of  Ids    head   and  of  liis   heart    were 

manifested.  Not  less  than  the  flow  of  soul  were 
the  deep  promptings  of  that  kind,  universal  char- 
ity, which  always  characterized  bim.  It  found  a 
vent   whenever  want  appeared,  or  chill,  bard-pn 

industry    SOUgh!     for    relief.      Called    to    the    head    of 


19 

this  Society  by  the  unanimous  voice  and  wish  of 
confiding  members,  he  suddenly  drew  every  one  to 
his  embrace,  and  linked  their  affections  with  honks 
Of  Steel.  In  the  office  of  President  he  continued 
with  us  until  the  autumn  of  L856,  when  the  avoca- 
tions of  his  business  compelled  his  absence  else- 
where. It  was  only  such  a  necessity  thai  could 
sever  the  tie  that  bound  him  to  us.  During  his 
administration,  energy  characterized  his  manage* 
ment,  wisdom  animated  his  councils,  and  prosperity 
crowned   our    advancement,   while    success   vindicated 

his  excellent  worth.  Never  was  he  avoidably  ab- 
sent  from  his  seat  in  this  Hall.  On  festivals,  guests 
clustered  around  him,  and  good  cheer  uniformly 
attended.  We  never  can  forget  the  pleasant  mirth, 
the  jocund  glee  which  filled  the  atmosphere  in  which 

he  -at,  and  perfumed  the  table  OVer  which  he  pre- 
sided.     All    these    associations)  with    much    more    thai 

made  him  so  beloved  by  all — his  enterprise,  his  pat- 
riotism, and  his  devotion  to  the  hest  interests  of 
Charleston — have  been  cut  short  hy  his  untimely 
end.       While    he     lived,    WO    loved    him — though    dead, 

we  will  let   cease  to  honor  him.     Be  it,  therefore, 

I;   wived,    That      in      the     death     of    the     lamented 

Henry  W.  Conner,  the  community  ha-  sustained  a 
severe  loss,  this  Society  has  hecn  deprived  of  a 
valued  and  beloved  member,  and  the  social  friendly 
circle  hecn  bereft  of  a  warm-hearted  and  esteemed 
companion. 

/,'  olved,  That  these  proceedings  he  spread  upon 
the  M 1 1 1 r 1 1 ■  -  'it  the  Society,  published  in  the  daily 
papers  of  tic  city,  and  a  copy  transmitted  t<>  the 
family  of  the  deceased. 


20 


[FROM    Tin:    PROCBBDIXM    "i     mi:    COYTBOTTOX  01    HI    ITATI       I 
i   \i:"ii\\.    is    BBSSIOX,    MARCH    -'*>.    1861.] 

Mr.  Magrath. — Mr.  President:  on  the  Journal  of 
tlii-  Convention,  there  will  be  found  a  motion  made 
by  me,  thai  leave  of  absence  Bhould  be  granted  to 
Henri  W.  Conner,  in  consequence  of  sickness.  Thai 
leave  has  been  made  perpetual,  by  an  order  para- 
mount to  this  Convention.  1  propose  i"  offer  no 
eulogy  upon  Mi-.  Conner.  T<>  us,  to  every  man  in 
the  State  of  South  Carolina,  be  was  too  well  known 
to  require  comment  from  me.  1  content  myself  Bim- 
ply  now  with  presenting  bo  the  consideration  of  iliis 
Convention  a  few  resolutions,  which,  I  trust,  will  be 
('(Mind  to  be  truly  expressive  of  the  sense  of  this 
bereavement.     I  move  yon  to  the  following  effecl  : 

R  olved,  That  this  Convention  receives  with  deep 
regret  the  intelligence  of  the  death  of  Henri  W. 
Conner,  late  one  of  its  members. 

I:  Ived,  'That  in  the  enlightened  enterprise  and 
patriotic  devotion  of  Henri  W.  Conner,  the  State 
of  South  Carolina  baa  recognized  the  qualities  which 
have  contributed  to  advance  her  material  prosperity 
and  sii-tain  her  political  independence. 

//  dved,  That  the  Secretary  of  the  Convention 
communicate  these  resolutions  to  the  family  of  the 
deceased 


